Brother escorts Newcomerstown senior to prom
Niki Reid

Published: May 17, 2004 8:00PM

Niki Reid
Newcomerstown News
On May 1, Tamra Gunn of Newcomerstown attended her senior prom. To some that doesnt sound all that special. But for Tamra it is.
Tamra, who was born with Microcephaly a disease which stops the development of the brain, was escorted to her junior prom, last year, by her then 19-year brother, Josh.
It just thrilled her so much last year, Tamras grandmother Norazella Gunn said. Its just the little things that mean so much to her.
This year, she was escorted again by her now 20-year old brother.
It is something when a 20-year old boy will take his handicap sister to the prom, Gunn said.
This year, Tamra will wear a deep rose-colored underlay dress with a sheer black overlay and burgundy beads. However, she will turn in her silver heals from last year to wear a comfy pair of dressy black sandals so she will be able to dance.
Gunn said one of her passions is dancing. She said she really enjoys it. She said she also loves doing all of those feminine things like painting her nails, coloring her hair and wearing makeup.
Tamra and Joshs parents are Talmage Tam and Darla Gunn of Newcomerstown. Darla allows her daughter Tamra to do almost all of the normal things every teenage girl does.
Norazella Gunn said Tamra wasnt expected to live past her second birthday. She said it even states that on her birth certificate under life expectancy.
Thats why we are so proud of her, she said.
Even when Tamra was a baby, she had both sets of ear drums re-built so she could hear.
But, Tamra has fought the odds. Tamra, who is 19-years old, has attended her second high school prom and on May 30, she will graduate from Newcomerstown High School with the class of 2004.
(Thats) another big day for us to see her get a diploma, Norazella Gunn said.
She said even though Tamra will be graduating in May, Tamra will have to continue with her schooling for another two years. She said its part of the requirements of any handicap child in the public school system.
After her two additional years of schooling, Norazella Gunn said Tamra will probably join the workforce at Starlight Enterprise, Inc.
Tender loving care, by the family is what Norazella Gunn attributes Tamras success so far in life and for all of her successes to come.